I knew nothing of Charlie Kirk before his murder. In my left-leaning social media I had seen many posts about disturbing remarks he has made, so I decided to look a bit deeper into the man.

While I saw out-of-context clips of those disturbing comments, most of what I saw was a joyful person with a sharp wit and charismatic presence. He encouraged debate and listened to others, he understood how important it was for us to be able to talk with each other. That alone was refreshing in today’s political environment.

He debated from a conservative point of view and founded Turning Point USA. I went to their website which proclaims their three core beliefs:

1. “The US Constitution is the most exceptional political document ever written.”

2. “USA is the greatest country in the history of the world.”

3. “Capitalism is the most moral and proven economic system ever discovered.”

The site also talks about the ideals of free trade, limited government and individual freedom.

This is classic conservatism in the best tradition of William F. Buckley Jr. While maybe Charlie Kirk has said some regrettable things, which maybe he didn’t regret, I respect his core message of open dialogue and traditional conservative values. I appreciate his sincere and honest communication of his principles. It’s clear why so many on the right loved him.

But, I would challenge all those who love him to show me where he would endorse the “government” clamping down on voices critical of him. Kirk’s whole career was built up by being a dissenting voice!

As one who respects, and maybe even admires his core principles, I fail to see how anyone following Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA could support Donald Trump and the current administration.

1. Respect for the Constitution? Trump has made a mockery of the Constitution expanding presidential power way beyond Article II of the Constitution and even suggesting it should be ignored in some cases. His reaction to Kirk’s assassination is in direct conflict with freedom of speech, so important to Charlie Kirk. It’s why he could say things which people on the left found offensive.

2. The greatest country? We may have been but we have lost our friends and allies because of Trump’s very narrow view of this great country and it’s standing in the world. Europe is going it’s own on defense and India is moving closer to China. Russia and China are starting to work together. The only show of force from us is the use of our naval might to kill, probably illegally, Venezuelans in small boats.

3. Capitalism? He is inserting the government into major corporations, taking control of stock, and telling CEOs, like of Cracker Barrel, what they should and shouldn’t do. His policies are bankrupting farmers and driving companies like Hyundai out of the U.S.

As to Turning Point USA’s ideals?

1. Free trade — His tariffs inhibit both importers and exporters slowing trade down in both directions.

2. Limited government — The government under Trump is actively imposing it’s will on law firms, universities and corporations, and putting troops into American cities that, according to the Constitution, should be governed by their states.

3. Individual freedom — How much freedom do those working in the Trump administration feel they have now? Personnel in the military express negative views of Charlie Kirk at their own risk.

But if MAGA isn’t the answer, what is? The Democrats clearly aren’t presenting a compelling alternative and it was their failure to speak to the people that led to Trump getting elected.

I would like to see both the old Republican and Democratic parties crumble, neither of which have served the people all that well and both of which appear to be dominated by Big Money. In their place I’d like to see two new youth-dominated parties emerge:

1. A true “conservative” party based on the Turning Point USA principles and populated by all its young enthusiastic members.

2. A true “progressive” party based on Bernie Sanders’ ideas and populated by all the young people so enthusiastic about his visions.

Then Congress could be filled with the representatives of each, who could then talk, exchange ideas and come up with a government that balances the heart of liberals with the brain of conservatives.

With ranked choice voting this could happen. That would be my number one priority for whatever follows the current administration.

Dennis C. Merritt lives in Shelburne Falls.